Peter James Charocopos

1/31/06-10/10/25

"The higher we go, the better we shall hear the voice of Christ."

-St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

This quote is something Peter took to heart and acted upon. Although his life on earth was tragically cut short by a motorcycle accident, he lived a fuller life in his 19 years than most do in much longer lifetimes. Peter grew into a true man of God who spent his life striving for greatness. He was a protector, a defender, a leader, a provider, a bold and courageous young man who called those around him on to holiness. Most of all, he was an adventurer with a heart on fire for the Lord.

Peter means rock. Peter was everyone's rock. He was such a leader. He planned yearly camping trips with his friends in December. Some of his friends initially questioned the sanity of this decision, but always ended up having the best time despite the cold (and having to wring water out of their pillows). They would go hiking, play guitar and sing together, pray together, and were treated to Peter's gourmet cooking over an open fire. Playing with fire may or may not have been involved… homemade torches anyone?

Peter was an adventurer. He loved to climb mountains and go hiking. He had just taken a two and a half week hiking trip in August with three of
his brothers and one of their girlfriends. They went to seven national parks across four states and had the time of their lives. Costco chicken bakes were a favorite staple as they travelled across the country. Snow days were the most fun with Peter. He would attach a sled to the back of a four-wheeler with a rope and give everyone rides. Just walking through the woods became an adventure, he explored everything everywhere. He loved cooking, baking, and making extravagant mocktails for his little sisters. He truly lived the Pope St. John Paul II quote, "Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure."

Peter was also a man of intense prayer. He had his priorities straight and always kept God at the center of his life. He had two holy hours a week, one at 7pm on Tuesdays and one at 2am on Fridays. He went to daily Mass, confession at least twice a month if not more, he read his bible, and prayed the rosary at least once a day. He always wore his scapular and miraculous medal. He carried his rosary with him everywhere, you could always see it hanging out of his pocket. He loved rocking his niece and nephews to sleep in the rocking chair while praying the rosary. He experienced spiritual attacks and remained bold, steadfast, and unafraid. He would leave his ringer on in the middle of the night, which sometimes annoyed his brother John who he shared a room with. His reasoning? "I need my friends to be able to reach me if they need help in the middle of the night." John has been inspired by his example and has asked Peter's friends to call him in the middle of the night if they ever need anything.

Peter constantly put others before himself and was intensely generous. He literally loved like crazy, if you came for his family he'd come straight for you. He could be very serious like that, you tell him one scary thing happened and he's asking for the address. He didn't leave anyone to fight alone, he was unafraid. Peter was courageous. His siblings all echo that he was always there for him and was the best brother he could be. He took care of them in so many ways. His sister Grace remembers when they were at a Steubenville conference a couple years ago and she got really sick, Peter sat with her in the first aid room the whole time even though he was missing all of the talks. He refused to leave her alone, even when he had to go to the bathroom he had his best friend Sam come and sit with her so she wouldn't be by herself. He loved babies, he would frequently fall asleep on the couch holding one of his little siblings and later on, his nephews and niece.

Peter made sure the people around him knew how much he loved them. Peter was intense. When he was angry, he was angry, when he was happy, he was happy, and when he loved, he loved. Peter was the kind of person that really saw you. He learned what the most important things in life were: his faith, his family, and his friends, and then he pursued those things with all of his heart. He loved others like he loved his own family. His presence meant so much to so many, he was the kind of person you wanted your kids to be friends with.

Peter was such an inspiration to so many people. He cared for those he loved with a determination and courage unlike anything else. His family and friends that have been left behind are emotionally shattered, but we take heart knowing that Peter has found a peace beyond this world. We believe that he is in the arms of Jesus and will never have to suffer again. We encourage everyone to ask him for prayers, because we know he will be fighting for us even more intensely now that he is with God. The end of Peter's life came far too soon, but we know he died doing something he loved and that he wouldn't have had it any other way. Peter has found the place he truly belongs. While we will forever be missing a piece of our hearts, we will urge each other on to greatness like Peter did for us. Peter, you kept Christ at the center of all your action and you have reached the goal. Pray for us who have not made it yet. We love you forever.

"Jesus is with me. I have nothing to fear."

-St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolate for Family Consecration, 3375 County Rd 36, Bloomingdale, OH  43910 or www.afc.org